Loading...Sing with me… “It’s beginning to look a lot like…Advent?” Just what does it mean to spend these next four weeks in preparation for the coming of Jesus?
I must admit, I struggle with this a bit. I want to be “true” to my Episcopal roots by not succumbing to the commercialization of the Christmas season. For years, our family of four boycotted most Christmas music (not “holiday” or secular music, mind you), refusing to allow those Jesus-is-born-themed songs to overtake the time of preparation needed to be able to accept the birth of the Christ-child on December 24, to celebrate this miracle birth for 12 days—through January 5.
What’s hard about waiting is that everywhere in the secular world, Christmas music stops on December 26. I want it to continue playing for the whole 12 days of Christmas thank-you-very-much!
I want Christmas programs and movies to run then too. Because in this time of Advent, of preparation, there is often not enough time to sit down and enjoy that kind of entertainment. It’s a good thing we have the internet and the ability to wind down with those things that bring us comfort and joy when we finally have time to stop and rest.
Preparation for this holy birth comes in many forms. Some people are positively impacted by the commercialization of this holy day. They may learn more about why Jesus came into this world when they watch the Peanuts Christmas Special on television, or find the film, The Nativity Story playing, or when they listen to the first half of Handel’s Messiah, or hum along to Silent Night. Commercialization may help us express love and friendship through time, giving, and receiving; baking sweet treats and special meals; through decorating and bringing in the light during these dark weeks.
As Jesus Followers, this is also a time of introspection, education, wonder, and prayer. We come together for the four Sundays in Advent to hear stories that prepare us for Jesus—both as a baby and as our returning Savior. Scripture tells of the prophecies, of the people who are waiting, of the angst and fear of the political climate of that time, and of the return of Christ at the end of time. We are being prepared for the world to be turned right-side-up to focus our attention on a loving God, and learning to live, understanding the depth of God’s love.
While I’m not excited to hear holiday music or see a lot of Christmas décor up before Thanksgiving, I do find myself a little child-like, ooo-ing and ahh-ing at the lights that brighten the darkness, reminding me that in this time of preparation, it is all about the Light of Christ, coming into the world, and every twinkling light brings that just a little closer.
Wondering as I wander, Rev. Debbie+
